studentstudent said:
I remember from the MSAR that at least one, if not all, teach all the courses in Spanish (why you need to know Spanish). Maybe someone with their own copy can back me up.
to the original poster, i actually go to one of the schools here in PR and i can tell you the following:
1) Ponce and UCC accept applications from out of state applicants. UPR doesnt, in fact I hear you have to show strong ties to PR in order to have your application considered.
2) About 1/2 of the classes are taught in Spanish and other 1/2 in English, but all of the textbooks, handouts, and exams are in english. In addition, every professor I have met is bilingual so if you didnt catch something in class you can always approach them later. Most of us don't even go to class and just study on our own and have been doing very well in our classes. In addition to this, at least from my experience, the faculty is really great in making sure all of the mainland students don't miss due to the language barrier. For example, they will hold review sessions in english for the mainland people.
3) You do need to have spanish credit from college. I can't remember what the requirement is, but I'm sure you can find this info on either Ponce or UCC's website. Also your clinical rotations will be in Spanish, but by the time you reach this point you will have already have spent two years on the island "beefing" up your spanish skills so this shouldn't be an issue. I'm serious when I say some of the guys in my class can barely speak Spanish but everybody manages to make it through.
Both schools match well from what I have seen and they are definitely worth considering. Lastly, everybody I have met is real friendly and my classmates are awesome. Everybody is real laid back. Nobody will hold it against you if you study all the time b/c you want to be in the top of your class, or if you are the slacker who just wants to get by. At the end of the day we all hang out with each other and try to make the best of our free time.....when we have some. Hope this helps, best of luck.
